Friday, July 29, 2011

Should others follow your lead?

Should others follow you? Is your leadership worth following? If the world acted and did as you do, would the world be a better place?

Consider the example you set for your family, particularly your kids. Would you be proud if they acted the same as you?

Reflect on your driving habits; do they exemplify what you would like to see in other drivers?

The greatest leaders are not those that are the loudest, who stand out among the crowd with grandiose personalities, but rather the meek, mild and most considerate. They are not pushovers, but instead stay on course and seem to do the right thing without inflicting causalities along the way. They treat others as they themselves would like to be treated.

I believe that the greatest leaders this world has and will see are those that we don't name or write books about. They remain behind the scene, out of the limelight and set the example for all to follow. They seem to follow this principle:

Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Romans 12:16-18

Our actions speak louder than our words.


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Sunday, July 10, 2011

Top Leaders Must be Visionary

Some people are visionary and some are not. Each has their place regardless and is invaluable when positioned correctly. However, placing individuals incorrectly can be catastrophic.

Those that are visionary, see the future clearly in their minds eye. They can describe visually what their ideal future looks like. Their vision can seem completely unrealistic and impractical to many, but can galvanize large numbers of people. Everyone wants to be part of something great. Consider Kennedy's vision on May 25, 1961 to put a man on the moon before the end of the decade. Not only was this achieved on July 20, 1969, this audacious goal was a catalyst for a renewed spirit of hope and technological pride that reset the course of the nation with benefits for years to come.

Those that are strategic are best able to plan the course to the leader's the vision. It is my observation that those that are visionary are not particularly strategic and vice versa. The humble leader recognizes their natural talents and relies on others to balance off in the areas where they are weak.

Visionary leaders take groups of people, even entire countries, to heights that most never dreamed possible.

Leaders at the top of any organization / government must be visionary. While this is not the only requirement necessary for success, I believe it [success] is impossible without. Just look into any current failing organization / country and you will find a leader that lacks vision.

How do you know if you are visionary? If you can describe, in clear pictures - as if you are already there - what your organization looks like in the future, right now without having to conceptualize – you are likely a visionary.


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